RideSlow2004

Commentary Drive.

One of the best tools for making you, as the operator and primary responsible person for all that happens to you, aware of how much is really going on around you.

Have to do this in a car, so your passenger can take notes, but not talk.

Start out on a familiar route, mix of residential, business, and freeway. Comment on everything that you see, that does, or could affect your path. Include road conditions, manhole covers, signs, intersections, pavement changes. State the possible paths that the approaching traffic could take. Mention your possible escape routes when the worst case situation arises, include all options for each action. Make verbal note of parked cars, even ones that are 50 ft away from the roadway. Kids playing in yards, or shoppers walking out of stores should be noted.

At the end of your route, you will be amazed at everything that has gone on, and if you were able to see and speak it all, you will have done very well.

Your second set of eyes, will then explain to you everything you missed. Repeat when you have a couple of close calls.

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drtomm

With some 40 years of riding experience and NO injuries, I recently met my match in MT in the midst of a rainstorm, traveling a bit faster than I should (@ 60 mph) with rain covered face shield and heavy water spread on road, I spotted a deer @ 2 seconds out, standing in the middle of the road, watching me as I appeared like a deer in the headlights...my only response was a frantic statement, "Oh Shit!!!"...as I let up on the gas, but failed to touch my brakes...this seemed to work, as the deer stepped quickly out of my way, and as I passed him could have patted his ass without straightening my elbow...fortunately the deer had been to the local traffic school, and knew the dangers of a full dress Harley aimed at his ass...musing after my heart returned to normal beat, I felt my lack of response in slamming on the brakes, which would have very likely put me in a death spiraling skid, taking out the deer and myself in a bloody crash, was probably my saving grace, but certainly not part of my thought process at the time...the moral of the story...SLOW DOWN, when conditions change... Be extremely cautious when applying brakes on wet or poor friction surfaces...a skid will cause you to lose control, and you WILL most likely get HURT!...and, experience is very helpful in staying alive...

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ar15marine

There are no trophies on the road. The faster riders will understand if you arent right up their trumpet the whole time. They will wait, and if they wont, then find new riding partners. Always ride your own pace. Dont exceed your comfort level. Cover the brake. I know that MSF says no but it cuts reaction time. Use your mirrors. Never assume you have been seen. Make a visual reference of everyone you pass or ride next to. Are they on the phone? Texting? Eating? Reading? Putting make up on? Ive seen it all. Never ride behind a truck or car with a load. I dont care how you do it, but pass them or pull over for a bit. Watch for animals. Watch for gravel/sand/leaves and anything other than road. It will bite you. It doesnt matter what size your bike is, if you ride it wrong, it will bite you as well. Ride aggressively, but not like an idiot. Use your hand to signal even if you are using your turn signals. Some folks just dont know where to look on a bike for a signal. Watch your mirrors when stopping and make sure the person behind you is stopping too. If someone does something that endangers you, let them know by telling them they are number 1. Ok, that isnt a good idea some times but the person should be told they almost killed someone. Other than that, I think just use yoru common sense and if you are speeding.... no one expects it. So take your own risk. We all know what our personal talent level is. None of us are MotoGP riders. We would be there racing if we were. Ride safe and have fun.

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mjn

Ok... I didn't read all the tips.. but just thought of one;

Don't set too high of a daily mileage goal for yourself. A high percentage of crashes happen due to fatique..

The mileage you can safely travel in a day is directly perportionate to your pace.

I've had several 500+ mile days.. but I've also had tons of 300+/- days where I was just as tired. Harder, faster pace... more focus, ie; more mental fatique.

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Soil

just watched another f'n crash.

one word people -

FIND and STAY IN your comfort zone.

FIND the indications that YOU are approaching YOUR tolerance levels and RESPECT them by slowing down.

I was having a CRAPPY day - and my indicators were trippin' at about 40mph in a 45mph curve! (very very not like me)...

but I respected them... so - I rolled up to the crash about 2 minutes after it happened instead of BEING the crash!

dammit people - fucking LEARN.

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ar15marine

Don't push it. There is no trophies!

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cityxslicker

Throttle on, dont touch the front brake, scan ahead for debri and course change, let the bike do the work, lean outside curve, shift to second for down hill engine braking, always keep the tires properly inflated for conditions.... And if all else fails a new set of knobbies always makes everything better.

If you ride your bike only on pavement.... ignore the above.

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WTFO

1. Ride your own ride

2. Get a mentor - they are priceless

3. Check air pressure and tires for foreign objects BEFORE each and every ride

4. DO NOT FOLLOW the rider in front of you through the corner; ride your own line not theirs

5. You are not as fast as you think you are

6. LOOK through the corner

7. Ride like you are invisible - you are to cagers

8. Never assume the other driver is going to stop

9. Wear protective gear while it may not save broken bones it does save road rash which is in essence a 3rd degree burn - that is no skin is left

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DaveS

1- watch some crash videos on youtube every once in a while = bottom-line reminders about how fast it happens.
2 - learn from what PNWr's say about their crashes. Read what others
add to the crashers description.

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holypiston

It took me awhile and i still have the competitive urge (but after years of suckage and small bore motorcycles leaving me for dead, i get it....i'm just slow, but for the most part....I'm NOT crashing....that is an achievement!. However, after seeing many of my friends and acquaintances get seriously hurt or killed and then hearing about the 6 figure hospital bills...

the best advice i have heard is "save the speed for the track". The bullshit ends there.

Other than that. My bitch is RED LIGHT runners. I had one almost take me out of the land of the living.

"When the light turns green at a busy intersection, count 1 thousand, 2 thousand, 3 thousand....while looking both ways. Then proceed.

If you are too much in a hurry and an enthusiastic red light runner is getting his adrenaline fix....it might not be pretty.

I also tend to pull over if the mom in the minivan with the phone glued to her ear is not paying attention. I'll wait till she makes a left turn and then get back on the road. Replaced hips, years of rehab, etc. is not worth guessing if she sees you or not. chances are she could look right at you and not see you if she is trying to multitask while driving.

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cyndypr

Just want to say I really appreciate this thread. I check it often as a reminder of what I need to remember/focus on while riding. Since I'm new, I tend to get task-loaded pretty quickly and it's helpful to have this as a resource; I've learned a lot. Please keep the tips/advice coming!

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balut

don't forget to strap in your helmet

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Lone Rider

Thats why its here.

In Ca. right now and am amazed how quickly cagers get blinders on and impatient when traffic thickens.

Just talked witha schoolmate , He was telling me how his Dad died. He was in a short line of traffic that slowed suddenly. He jumped into the oncoming lane to pass.
Turns out the lead car was pulling onto the shoulder to let the rest by. As his Dad sped up to complete passing the line of cars the second car back swerved out to pass the one pulling over.
You can guess the rest.
Apparently his Father never saw the car going on the shoulder nor was prepared for the sudden move by the next car. Neither was his riding companion who was able to avoid the wreck. It was his wife.

Always look ahead, take your time. No trophies, dinner can be rewarmed.
I'm very sad for the kid. He is sad for the loss of his Dad who died doing what he loved.

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